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Instant ULEZ Checker
Use our ULEZ checker to instantly see if your vehicle meets ULEZ rules. Drive with confidence and see if you need to pay the daily charges in low-emission zones.
What is the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)?
The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is one of the UK initiatives to cut down on air pollution and improve the quality of people’s health. It concerns a majority of vehicles that are in operation within certain regions, such as central and Greater London, including all 32 London boroughs.
If your car fails to meet the ULEZ emissions standards, you will be required to pay to drive within the ULEZ. As it is, the standard daily charge for most vehicles, motorbikes, and vans is £12.50 per day, whereas heavy vehicles such as trucks and coaches cost from £100 – £300 daily.
Key Components for ULEZ Compliance
To know whether your car can be regarded as ULEZ, it is important to know the main factors that define compliance. These elements will determine if your car passes the emission regulations, or you will pay a fine.
Emission Standards
The level of ULEZ compliance depends on the cleanliness of the engine of your vehicle.
Vehicle Type
The compliance with the ULEZ depends on the type of vehicle that you drive. They do not apply to fully electric cars as they do not emit any emissions. Some historic, military, or agricultural vehicles could also apply. Before driving, always look up ULEZ guidelines to be sure that your car is not liable to the daily fee.
Age of the Vehicle
Ageing cars have higher chances of failing ULEZ checks as they were manufactured before the new rules on emissions were enforced. The cars produced after 2015 have a higher level of performance, whereas the old cars produced before 2005 are not compliant and may need to be tested or modified to be ULEZ compliant.
Documentation
The logbook (V5C) of your vehicle provides information about the engine type, fuel, and emission standards. With the correct information, our ULEZ checker can provide the correct answer and help you avoid any unplanned charges or face penalties due to the invalid registration information.
How to Check if a Vehicle is ULEZ Compliant?
It takes a few seconds to check the ULEZ status of your car for free. To instantly check if your vehicle complies with the low-emission standards in London, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Enter the Vehicle’s Registration Number
Type your registration plate into the form at the top of this page. You can find it on your vehicle’s number plate or registration document (V5C).
Step 2: Click “Search” to Submit
Submit the form to view your vehicle’s ULEZ compliance result instantly. It will clearly show whether your car meets the standards. If it doesn’t, you may need to prepare to pay the daily fee to drive within the ULEZ.
How Does Smart Car Check’s ULEZ Checker Tool Work?
Our ULEZ checker uses official DVLA records and TfL emissions data to see if your vehicle meets Euro standards for low pollution. By entering your registration, we’ll show if your vehicle is compliant or requires payment to drive in the Ultra Low Emission Zone.
The results follow TfL’s published guidelines, though accuracy can vary, especially for older or specialist vehicles made before 1 January 1973. Some vehicle types, such as historic, agricultural, or military models, may be exempt, so always confirm your vehicle’s ULEZ compliance with our online checker or directly with TfL.
Why Choose Smart Car Check ULEZ Checker?
Smart Car Check’s ULEZ checker instantly shows if your car meets ULEZ rules and gives the CO2 emissions and band for free.
You can easily upgrade to a full car check that includes:
MOT and tax status
Vehicle age
Mileage records
MOT history with advisory notes
Outstanding finance
MIAFTR Stolen car records
Write-off status and category
Previous keepers
Log book history
Car performance
Tax (VED) rates
High-risk records
Plate/colour changes
VIN number (last five digits)
Fuel consumption
Engine number and specifications
Scrapped status
Imported/Exported
Imported Non-EU
Certificate of destruction
Common Reasons for ULEZ Non-Compliance
By early 2025, nearly all London drivers met ULEZ standards. Reports showed that about 96% of cars and over 90% of vans were compliant, reflecting strong public adaptation to cleaner driving rules. Many vehicles fail ULEZ checks for the following reasons:
Failure to Meet Emission Standards
Cars that fail to comply with Euro 4 (petrol) or Euro 6 (diesel) are deemed as non-compliant. These vehicles produce increased nitrogen oxides and particulates, which have direct toxic effects on air quality and human health in cities.
Older Vehicle Models
Both petrol cars and diesel cars manufactured prior to 2006 and 2015 respectively, are more susceptible to failing inspection. They were not built to match the current stringent emission requirements and are therefore liable to daily ULEZ penalties.
Incorrect Vehicle Registration Information
When your registration information or emission records are not up to date, it might be mistakenly interpreted by the system as non-compliant. Always ensure your V5C shows a true picture of your vehicle in terms of engine and fuel type.
Planning a Trip within ULEZ? Check Compliance First!
Before driving into London or any expanding ULEZ zone, check your vehicle’s status instantly. Don’t risk fines or penalties you are not prepared for; use the best ULEZ checker today to confirm your compliance and drive with peace of mind.
Get our Smart Car Check Mobile App
Check your vehicle’s ULEZ status anytime, anywhere. With our mobile app, you can perform instant car checks, track MOT history, verify mileage, outstanding finance, ensure compliance, and more, all from your smartphone.
FAQs About ULEZ Checker
What does ULEZ stand for and what is it?
ULEZ stands for Ultra Low Emission Zone. It’s a citywide project in London that is designed to decrease the amount of air pollution. Drivers of older, more pollutant-emitting cars have to pay a daily charge of £12.50 every day when entering the zone. The daily charge differs by vehicle type. This helps promote the manufacture and use of cleaner and eco-conscious cars to safeguard the health of the population and the environment.
Where does the ULEZ charge apply?
The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) applies to the whole of Greater London, relating to all London boroughs and the City of London, including the outer boroughs and the M25 motorway, though not the motorway itself. This extended area is open 24/7 year-round except on Christmas Day. The vehicles that do not comply are charged a daily fee to enter the area and are monitored by number-plate reading cameras.
How do I know if I have to pay the ULEZ charge?
The ULEZ charge will apply in a situation where your vehicle does not meet the requirements of the emission standards and you are riding inside the Greater London ULEZ area. To know if you’re ULEZ compliant or not, use our ULEZ checker and enter the vehicle registration number. To prevent a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN), you must pay the daily charge before the expiry of the third day of the journey.
Which cars are free to drive in the ULEZ?
The cars that are free to drive in the ULEZ, and in general are exempt from ULEZ charges, are:
- Electric cars
- The Euro 4 petrol cars (those registered after 2006).
- Diesel vehicles that comply with the Euro 6 requirements (registered since 2015).
To check the compliance of your specific vehicle, use our ULEZ vehicle checker by entering your vehicle registration number, or use the Transport for London (TfL) site.
How can I check if my car is ULEZ-compliant?
All you have to do is enter your vehicle registration number in our ULEZ Checker. It will instantly show whether your car, van, or bike meets the ULEZ compliance standard. The vehicles should meet some of the standards: Euro 3 when it comes to motorcycles and other vehicles in the L-category, Euro 4 when it comes to petrol cars, and Euro 6 when it comes to diesel cars.
Is my vehicle Euro 6 compliant?
It is possible that your diesel car is Euro 6 compliant if it was registered after September 2015. You can find out by checking your vehicle’s logbook or by using our ULEZ Checker tool.
Is my bike Euro 3 compliant?
The majority of the motorcycles registered since 2007 are Euro 3-compliant and ULEZ-compliant. You can confirm using our ULEZ zone checker or by checking the manufacturer’s records.
Is my bike Euro 5 compliant?
Motorcycles registered after 2020 usually meet Euro 5 standards. These are cleaner and safer for the environment, helping you avoid ULEZ charges when riding in restricted zones.
How do I pay the ULEZ charge?
Online payment is available through the Transport for London (TfL) website. You can pay today, or some days ago, or charge towards future traveling.
What areas does the ULEZ cover?
ULEZ is in all boroughs in London along the North and South Circular Roads, and more expansions are in wider Greater London. The cars that do not comply with the emissions standards will be forced to pay a daily charge to drive within the ULEZ.
When does the ULEZ apply?
ULEZ works 24/7 except on Christmas Day. There are charges made each time a vehicle that is not compliant is operated in the zone.
How is the ULEZ enforced?
There are designated cameras across London that scan number plates and check them against the DVLA database. If your vehicle is non-compliant and unpaid, an automatic Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) will be issued.
